Thursday, July 05, 2012
Made by People with Disabilities
I just ran across a copy of a newsletter I produced many years ago for a vocational program that I worked for. The program was for adults with developmental disabilities, and we made a variety of wood products such as redwood planters and clocks, etc, and industrial pallets. I had written an editorial article in the August 1993 issue, and I was struck how the topic is still relevant today, so I thought I would repeat it here.
EDITORIAL
Recently, I was asked why we don't advertise the fact that our products are manufactured by "disabled people". Certainly, it was felt, we would sell more if we pointed that out.
My response was, if we produce a quality product at a fair price, what difference does it make if the producer has a disability or not?
Redwoods United is not in business to point out people with disabilities. Our mission is to allow persons with disabilities the opportunity to live and work independently, with the maximum potential for successful integration in the normal activities of life.
It is our hope that manufacturers give us the opportunity to bid on contract work competitively, not because they feel obligated to perform some community service.
Community service in the form of donations or volunteer service are certainly welcome and encouraged, but shouldn't be confused with our ability to produce products and services.
We want you to shop our Garden Center because we have the largest selection of reasonably priced, quality redwood plant containers on the northcoast - period.
We want community support for our programs because we provide a vital vocational training and employment service to our communities - period. I believe the two concepts can, and should, be separate.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us. Public input helps us define our services to those we serve.
Like I said, I wrote this is 1993. What do you think? Still relevant today?
EDITORIAL
Recently, I was asked why we don't advertise the fact that our products are manufactured by "disabled people". Certainly, it was felt, we would sell more if we pointed that out.
My response was, if we produce a quality product at a fair price, what difference does it make if the producer has a disability or not?
Redwoods United is not in business to point out people with disabilities. Our mission is to allow persons with disabilities the opportunity to live and work independently, with the maximum potential for successful integration in the normal activities of life.
It is our hope that manufacturers give us the opportunity to bid on contract work competitively, not because they feel obligated to perform some community service.
Community service in the form of donations or volunteer service are certainly welcome and encouraged, but shouldn't be confused with our ability to produce products and services.
We want you to shop our Garden Center because we have the largest selection of reasonably priced, quality redwood plant containers on the northcoast - period.
We want community support for our programs because we provide a vital vocational training and employment service to our communities - period. I believe the two concepts can, and should, be separate.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us. Public input helps us define our services to those we serve.
***
Like I said, I wrote this is 1993. What do you think? Still relevant today?
